Simplifying Life a Little Bit at a Time – Part 2

Welcome back!

This is the second in a series of posts about simplifying my life.  In addition to letting go of some commitments, I have also become more intentional about my time.  I have always been one that has attempted to stick to some sense of a schedule.  In fact, one of my most popular posts here on the blog is one about my stay at home mom schedule.

Because I was letting go of some things my schedule obviously has changed.  I’ve been focusing much more on my home and family, and less on working and business building.  Though this is something I believe God called me to do, I would be telling you a fib if I said this was easy.  For someone who spent a great deal of time and energy on business this has been a challenge to change.

I still do have my businesses I just don’t commit as much time to them.  Plus, I am changing the way I do things business wise.  Simplifying my business structure as well. Instead of spending a chunk of my days working, most of my work is done in a couple of hours.  I must say, I’m liking the change.

There will be a part 3 in this series so check back!

Mommy Come Home: Stay at Home Mom Schedule

Amy over at The Finer Things in Life is doing a series on Mommy Come Home, about the choice to be a stay at home mom.  How it can be a leap of faith, how it requires certain sacrifices, some getting used to and some real life changes.  She was looking for someone to write a guest post on how to be a productive stay at home mom.  I’m not always as productive as I want to be, but I pride myself on being organized and scheduled.

Here’s my story:

I became a stay at home mom at the birth of my second child.  I had only worked part time before, but this was still a huge leap of faith for us and I was also “leaping” into full time ministry as a Christian writer & speaker.  Later I would become a freelance writer as well and begin several online business ventures.  Therefore being productive is a must.  Most everyone I know asks me “How do you do everything that you do?”

Scheduling, routines and being organized are three of my answers, the other two are prayer and faith.  These things play an equal role in my productivity.  My day must start with prayer or I feel it when I don’t.  I must also rely on my faith or nothing will go right.

Scheduling, routines and organization are the other end of the spectrum that balance it all out.  It took me quite some time to determine a schedule that “worked” for me and my family.  This schedule also changes during certain times of the year such as “summer” or “Christmas vacation”, and I must be flexible enough to realize that.  Two keys to a workable schedule are “trial and error” scheduling until you get one just right that works for you, and “being willing to be flexible”.

Second, routines, such as my morning routine of:

• getting up,
• doing my Quiet time with God,
• eating breakfast,
• cleaning kitchen
• everyone taking baths and showers,
• and working a committed 1.5 hrs on my businesses.

The routine helps me to “function” and get things done.  My afternoon routine involves housework, time with the kids and a bit more work time.

Finally, staying organized is another key to productivity, such as:

• having a system for bill paying,
• a system for menu planning,
• a set grocery day,

and other similar things is how I am able to manage a household, a ministry, and a few online businesses.

The decision to be a stay at home mom is one that I will never regret taking, no matter how hard I must work to make it all work.  Even though you’re a stay at home mom doesn’t mean you can’t have a schedule.  It can make you feel much more productive and in control.

Big Old Brain Dump

Ever since yesterday when I finally took the “leap of faith” that now when I look back on it, I believe God began calling me to almost a year ago, I began to have a whirlwind of ideas and thoughts take over my mind.  I tell you it was amazing.  I had totally lost my creativity and just a few hours before was desperate to think straight.  But after I gave it all up and let go and “let GOD”.  Wow!  He showed up in a big way.

Then, last night, the weather was bad so I was forced to turn off the computer.  I know, I should do it more often anyway, but last night due to the weather off it went and it stayed off until this morning!  So, during that time I wrote 3-4 pages in my prayer journal and read my Bible and prayed.  Now, I’m a whirlwind of thoughts, ideas and creativity, so I had to do a big old brain dump this afternoon.  I just finished and I have three pages of a small index pad full. 

This is my guide and plan for the next few weeks.  I’m hoping to accomplish everything over the next few months.  I am trying desperately to not set myself up for failure.  I am trying to not overschedule myself, as this is how I got to the point of burnout in the first place.  I need a new schedule but I”m not sure yet what it should be.  For other WAHMs out there I’d love to know what schedule works for you.

Photo credit: BoboRashi

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